Canadians capitalize on any opportunity in the summer to take a day off work, drink beer and barbecue in the great outdoors, and once a year they have a reason -- their nation's birthday.
There are a lot of Canadians living in Taiwan and as Canada Day nears so do the festivities around the island. The celebrations get started tomorrow with a birthday bash in Baishawan and end in Tainan with a variety of activities from July 1 to July 3.
Last year The Canadian Society put on a much smaller event in Taipei's Shilin district for some 60 to 70 people. This year the organization has arranged for more activities at a bigger venue and predicts around 500 people will head north for "Canada D'eh" on Baishawan beach. The party gets underway at 2pm and goes until midnight with plenty of food, beverages and entertainment scheduled.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY
Taichung-based Canadian band Milk and Richie Walker will provide live music in the evening with beach volleyball, horseshoes, trivia contests and a barbecue during the afternoon. It's a family affair so face painting, scavenger hunts and other activities will entertain the kids throughout the day.
In addition to barbecued hot dogs, hamburgers and a vegetarian option from 4pm to 8pm, organizers ensured a well-stocked supply of cold and reasonably priced beers and coolers will available all day.
A free shuttle bus service, to and from Hong Shulin MRT station, begins at 1pm and runs every half hour. The last shuttle leaves at 11pm but if a 10-hour drinking session isn't enough (and it won't be for a lot of Canadians) party-goers can use their wristbands for free entry to Carnegie's afterwards.
The Canadian Trade Office in Taipei also celebrates the nation's 137th birthday with a series of events geared towards industry and government types in Tainan.
The three day event starts Thursday with a gala luncheon and business seminars focusing on Canada and Tainan's shared investment in advanced technology.
Later that night, Willy's Second Base hosts a more festive and free celebration at the "I am Canadian! in Tainan" party with live music from Shayne. For a taste of Canadian cuisine, the Tahyih Landis Hotel is holding a Canadian Food Festival from July 1 to July 11, with an information fair and plenty of free treats on July 3.
Whether it's fun in the sun or seminars in a hotel, no one needs a maple leaf sewn onto their backpack to attend any of the Canada day events.
Advance tickets for the beach party are available at Hola stores across the island and cost NT$200 or can be purchased tomorrow for NT$300 at the site.
Latest information about the event is available online at www.canadiansociety.org. For further details on celebrating Canada Day in Tainan contact the CTOT at (02) 2544 3000, or its Web site at www.canada.org.tw.
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